FCC Reviews Paperwork Rules for Radio Service Filers
Published Date: 12/9/2025
Notice
Summary
The FCC is checking in on some paperwork rules to make sure they’re useful and not too much work, especially for small businesses. They want your thoughts on how to keep things clear, easy, and helpful before February 9, 2026. This review affects businesses, nonprofits, and government groups who apply for special radio permissions, aiming to keep the process smooth and fair without extra costs or hassle.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Experimental Radio Application Burden
If you apply for an Experimental Radio Service authorization using FCC Form 442, each response is estimated to take 15 hours. The FCC reports 405 respondents, 655 responses, a total annual burden of 3,474 hours, and total annual cost of $88,100.
Ultra‑Wideband Operator Coordination Duty
Operators of Ultra‑Wideband (UWB) imaging systems under 47 CFR 15.525 must provide contact information, the geographic area of operation, FCC ID and other device nomenclature so the FCC can coordinate with other Federal agencies. The FCC estimates 20 respondents, 20 responses, 1 hour per response, 20 total annual burden hours, and $1,000 total annual cost.
Spectrum Horizons License Opportunity (>95 GHz)
The FCC states the Spectrum Horizons License will be available for experiments and demonstrations of equipment designed to operate exclusively on any frequency above 95 GHz. This creates an explicit authorization path for experiments in that band.
Paperwork Reduction Focus for Very Small Firms
The FCC is requesting comments on ways to further reduce information collection burden specifically on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees, and asks for comments by February 9, 2026.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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